The naked truth about Antigua's only au naturel beach

Bored of Caribbean resorts that are more blah than wow? Get yourself to Antigua's Hawksbill Beach Resort and you'll see right from the get-go this isn't your average hotel. Within minutes of checking in you'll face a choice of mammoth proportions - which of the 4 beaches (including Antigua's only clothing optional beach) will be your lucky beach?

Hawksbill Beaches

The resort sprawls across 37 lush acres, its four beaches doling out one lush vista of the Caribbean Sea after another. White sand, glorious sunsets and enough shoreline that you'll never feel crowded - no matter how full the resort.

Beauty at Hawksbill truly is defined by its beaches:  

• Royal Palm Beach - Here you'll find the Great House and Beach Club accomodations
• Sea Grape Beach - This beach is the most popular as the beach and garden view cottages line it.
• Honeymoon Cove - Secluded...need we say more?
• Eden Beach - Nude, birthday suit bathing, friction-free swimming...get the picture?

Eden Beach, my personal favourite is a leisurely stroll at the far end of the resort and behind a rocky outcropping. There are no amenities over here, just beach lounges. But when you're all about the nude sunbathing, what do you really need? Sunscreen, cooler with cold drinks and your sweetheart - and you're good to go.

Be aware that Eden Beach is very secluded from the rest of the resort. But it's a private resort and panhandlers are strictly forbidden. If you have any concerns, you'll have to make the trek back to the main hotel to lodge a complaint.

Hawksbill Accommodations

There are 111 rooms at Hawksbill Beach Resort, spread out between the main hotel and bungalows along Sea Grape Beach. As well, the Great House is perfect for wedding parties and family reunions - 3 bedrooms in a self-contained house.

The Seaview bungalows are your best bet - close enough to the main hotel but more private and with a spectacular view.

The Garden bungalows form a second line behind them and lack the pristine view of the sea. Beach Club rooms are in the main hotel.

All rooms come with two double beds or a king bed and all the amenities you expect at a resort.

Hawksbill Dining

Dining at Hawksbill Beach Resort is simple, yet delicious.

• Tamarind Tree is open for breakfast and dinner and overlooks the Caribbean Sea.
• Il Vigento Su Mare is a specialty restaurant (pasta and lobster) and open select evenings. Reservations are required.
• Sea Grape Bar and Grill services the resort for mid-day meals and afternoon tea (it's a British-friendly resort).

If you're visiting Hawksbill with an all-inclusive package, you're welcome to visit other Rex resorts on Antigua at no extra charge. The Warri Pier at Halcyon Cove (located on its own jetty on the sea)  offers beautiful options for evening dining.

Everyone has a power list, so why not you? Be different and make your power list at Hawksbill Resort in Antigua. As long as Eden tops it, you're golden.

If you go...

Visit Rex Resorts Online to book your stay and see what guests are saying about them on TripAdvisor.

• Address: PO Box 108, Hawksbill Beach, Five Islands, Antigua
• Distance to Airport: 10 miles/30 minutes drive (VC Bird Int'l Airport)
• Distance to Capital: 4 miles to St John's
• Check-in: 3.00pm
• Check-out: 11.00am 

Have you stayed at Hawksbill Beach or day tripped to Eden Beach - we'd love to know what you thought! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or drop us a line to tell us your favorite beach getaways!